Greetings again, my dear readers. I am here to answer questions and to post this chapter.

And... well... I'll address comments now.

Chaddmychal: Glad you're enjoying the story so far, and don't worry, even when this story reaches an end, there will be plenty more content coming from me.

PBJFanFiction: Hm, I had totally forgotten about the Cube from Transformers. But the Rubrik is more of a reality warper than that, really. To be simple, the cube itself is raw Entropy, since the original purpose was 'completed' so to speak. All the extra... stuff it collected in order to fulfill that purpose was then put together to form Hope. Sherry 'rescued' Hope from deep inside the Cube, where she was warped with Entropy into becoming an Alicorn. Maybe Chaos saw some potential in our young baker? But truly, if there's anything you don't fully understand, I won't hesitate to try and clarify it for you.

Fern of the Clouds: Well, Aurora is. I literally sat for a long time thinking of whether I would breach that whole "Alicorns are only female" issue that I've seen other fanfics address. I decided to just stick with a gender specific sort of thing, but Aleron was blessed with more of his father's heritage, despite gaining unicorn magic and the growth of an Alicorn. There will be more with that in time. ;)

theflammablefiredragon: I am pleased you are pleased. And I apologize for not clarifying Tyr's name from the beginning. I'm quite happy I managed to accomplish so much in just one chapter, but I somehow did it. Thanks again for sticking with me! :D

Chapter 40: Testing the Waters

After the hospital incident, a year passed with almost no crises. Well, nothing as serious as the battle at the hospital. Despite the amount of damage Tyr and the others caused, the hospital was whole and functioning the next day. Jehu had admitted to doing the repairs himself, while Isabel erased the short term memories of everyone not involved in the incident. Only Tyr and the others really remembered what had happened, and they were keeping it to themselves.

The Scarecrows, after the decapitation of their leadership, disbanded in the face of brutal retaliations led by Flash. The shadow war the Knights had been fighting was finally over, and everyone went home to their families, both old and new. With her sister settled into her new family, Celestia was already looking forward to her former student to take the next step. Twilight continued to claim she needed to do more research.

With little happening, Tyr spent the majority of his time keeping up with his friends and—more importantly—watching over his somewhat large family. Hope, due to her attachment to Sherry, had moved in with them, becoming a part of their family. Grace had stayed with them, more so as an extra guardian for the three new additions than anything else. Trixie had survived her injury, with the only complication being it was a little more difficult for her to breathe properly. So now it was just normal days in the Hymir household. Such was the case for today, as Sherry rushed to get ready for school. He didn't realize how late she was until a piece of toast hit him in the back of the head. It continued on its path, guided by the pink aura wrapped around it into Sherry's waiting mouth. "I can't believe I'm still oversleeping!" The newly turned Alicorn complained, trying to eat and get dressed at the same time. She staggered to one side as she tried to put on her shoes, only for a construct soldier to appear and steady her. "Thanks dad."

"Slow down a bit sweetie," Tyr replied with a chuckle. "Besides, didn't Twilight and Tia help you with that teleportation spell?"

"I still can't really get the hang of it like they can," Sherry said with a sigh. She opened her chocolate colored wings. "Just like my wings."

"That all comes in time," Luna said, coming from upstairs. The Princess of Dreams had quickly gotten used to the job of being a mother, always seeming calm like a moonlit night. Still beautiful as ever even after giving birth, Tyr noticed with a happy smile.

"You're such a lecher," Chrys murmured, suddenly dropping onto Tyr's back and hanging over his shoulders.

"She's my wife," Tyr shot back. Chrys simply kissed his cheek and giggled.

"I wish I could just instantly learn," Sherry was still complaining.

Luna went over to her and gently touched her cheek. "Unlike say, Cadance, you were not born a Pegasus."

"Twilight was a unicorn before becoming an Alicorn, right?" Tyr asked. Luna nodded in the affirmative.

"Correct. She struggled much like you did. She still does."

"Maybe I can ask her for help," Sherry said.

"Some time later," Tyr said, glancing at the clock. "Better hurry."

"Oh crap!" Sherry made for the door, only to be stopped by Hope. "H-Hope? What is it?"

Hope shoved a plate of eggs in her face. "Sherry, eat!"

"Hope, I don't have time…"

"Eat!"

"Alright, I'll eat them on the way!" Sherry grabbed the plate and dashed out, wings opening clumsily for her to take flight. Tyr, Hope, and Luna watched her as she zigzagged back and forth as she tried to fly straight. Hope summed up what they were all thinking.

"Sherry bad flier."

"That she is," Chrys agreed, chuckling.

Tyr went over to his wife, gently pulling her into an embrace. "How are you, dear?"

"Feeling quite well this morning, my beloved."

"And the kids?"

"Grace is getting them." As she said that, a happy squeal came from the staircase. The small group at the bottom turned just as a small winged blur crashed into Tyr. "Oh dear."

"Papa!" Little Aurora hugged her father as best she could; still too small to fully get her arms around his much larger frame. Her sky blue hair was tousled and messy, and there was a big smile on her face. Her small dark purple wings fluttered rapidly. From what Tyr had been told from his new sister in law, Alicorn children tended to mature quite quickly, then cap out once they would hit their early adult stage. In the span of one year, his children were probably double or triple that in maturity.

"Someone's eager this morning," Tyr said, patting his daughter's head. Aurora giggled.

Grace came down the steps then, Aleron in her arms. "I'm so sorry Tyr," She said setting the black-haired boy down. Tyr and Luna's son was less energetic than his sister, taking more of his father's calm approach to life along with his silver eyes. He also didn't inherit his mother's wings, instead being born with just magic itself. Although since he didn't have any ability to use it yet, no one knew if it was more of Tyr's kind of magic or Luna's. Grace sighed. "I was trying to brush her hair and she just took off."

"I want Papa to do it!" Aurora complained, pushing herself further into her father's chest.

Tyr chuckled and smiled apologetically at Grace. "Sorry Grace. My little princess has declared her will."

"No hair off my tail," Grace assured him, handing him a brush. Tyr chuckled at the euphemism as he began the task of brushing his daughter's unruly hair.

"Jeez," He said, hitting a snag. "Luna, was your hair ever this tangled?"

"Only when I was younger," Luna admitted, getting a plate of food and beginning to feed Aleron. "With my hair like it is now, it became less of a hassle."

"I can imagine," Grace said, biting into an apple. "Hair that's permanently flowing doesn't get tangled."

"It goes back to what it used to look like when it's wet, however," Luna said. She smirked. "For your own information, Tia's hair is a pretty shade of bright pink when wet."

Tyr finally worked the majority of the kinks out of Aurora's hair. "What has your sister been up to lately?"

"I believe she is still working to ease what tensions remain between Equestrians and Humans," She said thoughtfully. "Things have gotten better since the Scarecrows were destroyed."

"We've had less work to do, for one thing," Grace offered with a chuckle. "I think Ace is getting stir-crazy."

"Sounds about right," Tyr chuckled.

"Shouldn't he be having his hands full with his own family?" Luna asked.

"I would think so. Plus Rainbow is doing that triathlon soon."

Aurora tugged on Tyr's sleeve to get his attention. "Papa, I want pigtails!"

"Alright love. Hold still." Just as he began to do her hair, his cell phone rang. "Aw, darn. Chrys, can you get that?"

"Of course, Master," Chrys said. As she passed him, she sneered at Aurora playfully. "Little beastie."

Aurora made a face back. "Kissy!"

"I have told you that is a horrible nickname," Chrys replied, to the sound of the little girl's giggling. She went over to where Tyr's phone sat and answered it. "Hello?"

She was surprised to hear Rarity's voice on the other end. "Chrys? I thought this was Tyr's phone?"

A slice of apple soared through the air and barely missed her head, caught quickly by the viridian glow of Chrys's magic. She glared at Aleron, who suppressed a laugh. "It is. Did you need Tyr for something?"

"I wanted to speak with him—yes, I'm on the phone with Chrys, Pinkie-winkle—and ask him about something."

"What is it? Perhaps I can relay the message for you."

"I'm sorry Chrys, but it a… private matter. I would prefer to speak with him in person."

"Understandable." She moved the phone away from her mouth and covered the receiver. "What shall I do, Master?"

"Tell her I'll drop by in a bit if it's so important," Tyr said, finishing one half of Aurora's hair. Like usual, the girl was quickly getting impatient and wanting to play.

"He says he'll come by to your home if you'd like," Chrys relayed the message. Rarity's voice was full of relief.

"Oh, wonderful darling! I'll be waiting at home for him then. Thank you!"

"You're welcome." She hung up the phone, going over to Aleron and sticking the piece of apple in his mouth. "Master, she says she will await you at her home."

"Great." Tyr finished with Aurora's hair. "There you go, Ro."

"Thanks daddy!" Aurora hopped out of his lap.

"Ah, no kiss for daddy?"

Aurora giggled and leaned up to plant a small peck on her father's cheek. "There!"

Tyr laughed softly. "Good girl. Now go eat something before you go play."

"Kay~" She went over to the table with her brother and mom.

"Guess I'll run over really quick and see what she wants," Tyr said, getting up. Luna frowned ever so slightly. She hated seeing Tyr leave the house, even though she knew he would come back. It simply brought up memories that were painful. But after the hospital incident, she felt like she had to take the pain in stride. Through it all she had Tyr to help her, always there to listen to her worries and comfort her. And now she had two new worries to deal with. Or three? She glanced over to where Hope was watching Snow fight with a ball of yarn. The kitten had become a full grown cat, and now seemed to spend most of his time simply popping up where he wasn't expected. Hope had become enraptured with watching the cat. Never mind that last thought. Only two new worries.

"Be safe, beloved," Luna said simply, smiling at him. Tyr nodded and headed out. He decided to take his bike, since he hadn't ridden it in a while and he was travelling alone. The feel of riding it after so long was… liberating, one could say. But it was short lived, as the distance from his home to Rarity's was covered in almost no time at all. Carousel Boutique had hardly changed over the past year, although if anything it was more… extravagant. Rarity must have been getting a lot of business after that fashion show. He went up to the door and was about to knock when Sweetie Bell and Spike came rushing out of the door.

"Tyr!" Sweetie Bell exclaimed, almost running into him.

"Hello you two." Tyr frowned. "Wait. Sweetie, shouldn't you be already off to school?"

"SWEETIE BELL!" Rarity's very irritated voice boomed from inside. The two young adults glanced back behind them in a panic.

Sweetie grinned nervously. "We were just going! See ya!"

They dashed away, leaving a very confused Tyr at the door. A moment after they vanished from sight, a quite incensed Rarity came storming to the door. "Oh, those two! I have half a mind to tell Twilight about this!"

Tyr raised an eyebrow. The fashionista was obviously upset, and it was times like these he wasn't sure if she was serious or just overdoing it. "Tell Twilight what?"

She looked over at him, for a moment not registering his comment. Then her eyes widened and she gasped. "T-T-Tyr! What are you doing here!?"

"…You called me, remember? You wanted to talk to me?"

She seemed to remember then and quickly composed herself. "OH! Yes, yes, I remember darling. Come in, please."

Tyr followed his friend into her home, instantly denoting the lack of cake smell in the room. "Pinkie isn't home?"

"She's at work," Rarity said, leading him into her kitchen. She already had a tea kettle boiling, and quickly poured them both a cup. She motioned for him to take a seat, and he did.

"What happened before I got here?"

Rarity frowned slightly. "Did you know Spike used to have a crush on me?"

"I might have heard it in passing, but I don't exactly remember," Tyr replied honestly, sipping at his tea. "Was it a little one or was he serious?"

"He was serious, as far as I could tell. He went out of his way to do things for me, always tried to ask me out… And when I finally told him Pinkie and I were together, he was devastated."

"Aren't you quite a bit older than him anyway?"

"By age, yes. But Spike was a dragon in Equestria, so he would mature quickly."

"So you never took him up on his offer, I'm assuming."

"Exactly. And now…" She looked over at the door. Tyr frowned a bit, but he could see where this was going. He had experienced the same thing, albeit in reverse.

"He's going after Sweetie Bell," He said, almost certain.

Rarity sighed. "I caught them making out in the kitchen this morning."

Tyr coughed hard, his tea almost going down the wrong pipe. "They were what?"

"I caught them when I came down after getting dressed," Rarity continued. "I heard Spike come in in the first place, but I thought he was just here to walk her to school. He's been doing that for the past few weeks, and I didn't think much of it."

"So I'm guessing you were pretty surprised."

"Of course I was! How would you feel if you found Sherry kissing some boy?"

A shiver ran up Tyr's spine. "To be honest, I doubt I'd handle it gracefully. But I've been in your position before."

"Really?"

"I have sisters too, remember?" He smiled. "My younger sister, Freya, had a guy she was sweet on. I was, of course, against it."

"Naturally."

"I never trusted the guy, and Freya was always angry at me because of it."

Rarity frowned. "Weren't you the only man in the household?"

"I was indeed. But Freya was always a bit rebellious."

"So what happened?" Rarity noticed Tyr's cup was almost empty, so she called over the tea kettle with her magic and refilled it. He nodded in thanks.

"I ended up breaking the guy's jaw," Tyr said simply.

"Oh my! I would at least hope he deserved it."

"He did. I found out he was cheating on my sister."

"How dare he?" Rarity frowned. "Why would he do that?"

"I dunno. Never asked him… or the two girls he was seeing on the side."

Rarity blinked. "Two…? My goodness!"

"Yeah… Freya apologized to me, but I didn't hold it against her. She's my sister: It's my job to protect her."

"I feel the same way." Rarity looked down at her cup. "…Do you think I'm justified?"

"Do you trust Sweetie Bell?"

"Yes! Of course I do, she's a good girl."

"And Spike?"

"Spike can be a proper gentleman when he needs to be. And I know he's been brought up well by Twilight."

"So there shouldn't be much need to worry," Tyr said with a smile. "Sweetie Bell is a smart girl, and Spike is a good kid. I'm sure they'll be all right."

Rarity sighed. "I know, but I still worry."

Tyr nodded and took another sip of tea. "Such is the life of an older sibling."

"Quite."

They sat in a gentle silence for a bit. Tyr watched Rarity twisting her fingers through a lock of her hair and realized that something was up with his fashionista friend. She hardly ever played with her hair like that. So he finally spoke up after a minute or two. "Hey, Rarity?"

"Yes, darling?" She looked up at him, a small smile crossing her face.

"What was it you wanted to talk to me about? You made it a big deal that you wanted to speak to me privately."

Rarity's face fell, and she went back to staring at her cup of tea for a long time. She frowned. "…How has Luna taken to being a mother?"

"Huh? Well… Aurora is a handful now that she's learning to fly, and Aleron takes after me, so I think it's not too crazy. On top of that, we've got Grace, and Chrys to help out."

"And Trixie?"

"Stops by from time to time," Tyr replied. Trixie had moved out about a couple months after the hospital battle, feeling as though she was overstaying her welcome. Her injury had not quite fully healed, but she was still quite sure she could manage on her own. Despite getting her own apartment, she still came by their home quite often. "I've started to think she wants to move in with us again because she's lonely."

"I see."

"Why are you asking?"

"I… I always wondered what it would be like to be a mother." She swirled her cup around a bit. "To care for a little one I gave birth to, to have that motherly instinct… But obviously, that's near impossible at the moment."

"Because you're with Pinkie." Tyr said softly, getting a nod from Rarity.

"Don't get me wrong, I love Pinkie-winkle to death…" She sighed. "But I truly do want to have a child of my own."

"So what did you need me for?" Tyr asked, a little confused. "I'm sure it would only take a little time to find an adoption agency or something."

Rarity was silent. After a moment, she set down her cup and looked at him, her blue eyes fixing him with an intensity he didn't expect. "Tyr. Have you ever heard of a process called artificial insemination?"

Tyr was beginning to put the pieces together, but decided to make sure. "…Yes, I have. You're… considering it?"

"More precisely, I was considering you to be the donor."

"Me?"

Rarity nodded. "I would rather it be from someone I knew and not some complete stranger."

"…Have you talked to Pinkie about this?"

"…Not yet."

"Don't you think you should?"

"I want to, but I'm scared." She blushed. "And last time I was scared to speak to Pinkie, you were there to help me."

Tyr thought back to that fateful day. He shivered, remembering that—almost ironically—Rarity had been asking him for a donation of sorts. "To be honest, Rarity, I'm flattered. Just… You have to clear this with Pinkie first, and I have to talk to Luna."

"Yes, obviously. I just… wanted to know if you would help me."

"You're my friend, Rarity," Tyr told her with a smile. His new shield necklace shifted to a pure white color with a blue band through the center. As the fashionista watched, it mixed with a shade of pink and the blue band grew brighter. "I'm always willing to help."

"Thank you Tyr." She smiled. "To be perfectly frank, I really wanted you to be the father."

"Why?"

"Because having a baby with those silver eyes of yours would be beautiful."

"Rarity?" Pinkie's voice squeaked.

The two of them looked over to find Pinkie standing in the doorway, a confused look on her face. "Pinkie-winkle?" Rarity murmured, surprised.

"I know where this is going," Tyr muttered, magic flaring to life. Pinkie spun and tried to run out the door, only to be blocked by Tyr's soldiers. "Not so fast this time, Pinkie."

"Why, Rarity?" Pinkie was in tears as she spun to face her girlfriend. "I thought you said you loved me?"

"I do, Pinkie! I do!"

"Then why are you getting Tyr to get you pregnant!"

"I…" She blinked. "Pinkie Pie, this isn't what you think!"

"Then what is it?"

Tyr sighed. "Excuse me." He waved his hand in a rough triangular motion, murmuring a short incantation he had learned. Pinkie was enveloped in an argent glow and calmed down almost instantly. Rarity glanced over at Tyr.

"What did you…?"

"A calming spell Luna and I learned from Grace," Tyr said with a shrug. "Helps with the kids."

"I can imagine. Is she alright?"

"That depends. This is Pinkie Pie we're talking about. But I didn't do any damage, if that's what you're worried about."

Rarity went over to her girlfriend. "Pinkie?"

"Why are you asking Tyr to make a baby with you, Rare-bear?" Pinkie asked quietly. "I know we can't have a baby normally but we could adopt…"

"I want to have a baby, Pinkie," Rarity said. "And Tyr said he would be willing to help."

Pinkie looked away, oddly pensive for a long time. "…So you're going to have sex with him?"

"S-sex!? No, Pinkie that's…" She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Tyr would just be the donor."

"Donor?"

"It's a process called artificial insemination," Rarity explained.

"Art fishy swimming lessons?"

"Artificial insemination," Tyr corrected. "I would only donate my genes, and they would use that to get Rarity pregnant. I wouldn't have sex with her at all."

"Oh." Pinkie seemed to understand what he meant. "But Rarity would still get pregnant and have a baby?"

"Yes."

"…Then I want to do it too."

Both Rarity and Tyr paused in surprise. "W-What?" Rarity managed to say, confused. "Why on earth would you want to get pregnant, Pinkie-winkle?"

"Because then I'd feel like I was still doing something," Pinkie claimed quietly. "Cause if its only you getting pregnant, and Tyr's the father, then what am I supposed to do?"

Tyr and Rarity looked at one another. "This one's up to you two," Tyr said, shrugging. "The only person I've got to clear this with is Luna."

"Pinkie… you know being pregnant is difficult," Rarity began, but Pinkie shook her head.

"I'm not dumb, you know," She said. "I'm the middle child of my family—I remember what it was like when my mom was pregnant with my little sisters. And I want to share that with you, Rarity. And then… you'll have two little ones to take care of."

Rarity smiled. "…Thank you, Pinkie. I'm sure we'll both make great mothers."

"Well, let me get Luna," Tyr said. Rarity and Pinkie frowned at that.

"Get her? Aren't you simply going to call her?"

"Sort of." [Chrys?]

[At once, Master]

Almost immediately, a bright blue flash of light lit the room, and Luna appeared, a curious look on her face. "P-Princess Luna!" Rarity murmured in shock.

"I had Chrys relay everything about when Pinkie got here," Tyr said, his wife coming over to stand beside him. "Moon is pretty up to speed."

"Although I would like to know why you did not want me present for this?" Luna asked, looking over at Rarity.

"I was… unsure of how to broach the subject with you, Princess."

"Luna."

"Huh?" Rarity looked up sharply. She found Luna smiling at her.

"We have endured enough together for you to simply call me Luna, Rarity. In this world I do not hold the same social status as in Equestria."

"I suppose that is true…"

"And as for the matter of my husband providing his seed in order to impregnate not just one, but both of you…"

"Moon…" Tyr began, but Luna placed a hand on his shoulder. She smiled.

"I do not see anything wrong with it," She said, nodding. "You are free to do this procedure if you like."

Rarity and Pinkie's faces lit up. "Oh, thank you Prin… er, Luna. Thank you."

"It is no issue. Now, unless you need me for anything else, I have two children to attend to." She leaned over and kissed Tyr on the cheek. "I shall see you at home, beloved."

"Actually…" Tyr caught her hand and looked over at Rarity. "When did you want to do this?"

"Um… well, my cycle begins soon so… sometime this week?"

"That works for me." Tyr smiled. "So did you need me for anything else, Rarity?"

Rarity thought for a moment. "…hm… no. Nothing I can think of."

Tyr got up and pulled Luna to his side. "Alright. Take us home then, Princess."

They teleported out in a bright flare of light. Rarity moved to where they had been, happy they hadn't singed the floor. She sighed in relief. She had customers that would be coming in today, and having a singed floor would not look good.

-x-

"There's Scootaloo," Applebloom said, pointing. She and Sherry were sitting at one of the school lunch tables, waiting on their friends. The violet haired Pegasus came over, completely out of breath. "What's got you so tired?"

"P.E.," Scootaloo said, sitting down with her tray of food. She and her friends had just gotten into middle school, and no longer were at their old school. The kids now went to a mixed middle/high school. They were split up in different classes, but lucky for them they still were able to have lunch together. Spike had begun going to school with them too, but he was in a whole different class. Despite how tired she was, Scootaloo was still energetic. "We were playing soccer!"

"That sounds like fun," Sherry said, giggling. Scootaloo always like playing sports. Sherry glanced around. "Isn't Sweetie in your class?"

"She said she saw Spike and wanted to talk to him," Scootaloo explained, digging into her food. It never ceased to amaze Sherry how much her friend could eat. Probably rubbed off on her from Rainbow.

"She and Spike are dating, right?" Applebloom asked.

"I figure," Scootaloo replied with a shrug.

Sherry frowned. "You're not sure?"

"Not like she's just putting it out there…"

"Scoots has a point," Applebloom said. "She's been spending a lot of time with him, but nothing's been set in stone."

"Oh, darn," Sherry said, rooting through her bag.

"What's up?"

"I forgot my lunch at home. Plus, I hardly ate anything for breakfast."

"You gonna buy school lunch?" Scootaloo asked. Sherry normally made her own lunches for school. Her friend shook her head.

"I don't have any money," She said sadly. An idea occurred to her. "I might be able to call my dad or mom and they could bring it…"

"Sherry! Applebloom! Scootaloo!" The three of them looked up to find Sweetie Bell running towards them, worry on her face. "You gotta come quick!"

"Sweetie Bell?" Scootaloo frowned. "What's going on?"

"Hope's here!"

Sherry felt a chill run through her. Hope? Here? The snow white girl was barely able to make normal sentences, not to mention her horrible social skills. "By the Night," She muttered, jumping up. Applebloom and Scootaloo got up as well, and the three of them followed Sweetie Bell out into the hallway. Near one of the sets of doors that led outside, a quartet of high school boys had pinned the unwary Hope against a set of lockers. She looked extremely terrified, never having to deal with men except for Tyr and his friends. "Excuse me!"

The boys glanced over at them. "Hey guys look, middle schoolers." One of them, a red head said.

"What do you little girls want?" One of the others said. Sherry stepped forward, a little uneasy about addressing people older than her.

"Um… can you leave her alone?"

The boys chuckled. "Most of the time, it's the older sister telling people to back off of the younger sister."

"Hope is…" Sherry tried to pick her words carefully. "She has terrible social skills."

One of the other boys looked over Hope. "Hm… I'm sure one of us can fix that."

"S-Sherry…" Hope said timidly, unsure of what to do. She was clutching Sherry's pink lunch bag in her arms protectively.

"Please," Sherry said, a bit more forcefully. "You're scaring her."

"Yeah!" Scootaloo chimed in. "Leave her alone!"

The four boys turned on the younger girls. "And what are you gonna do?"

"Yeah," The first one said. "Gonna go running to your mom?"

Sherry frowned. The Rubrik glowed. "Or, I could just do this."

The cube deformed and then reformed into a large stone suit of armor, towering over all of them. The places where its eyes should have been glowed with unnatural energy. The four boys flinched back. "W-what is that?"

"Meet the Rubrik," Sherry said, smiling. "He's the reason why you should leave Hope alone."

"You can't use magic on us!" One of the boys claimed. Sherry winced as she remembered the restriction on Equestrians—they would be suspended if they used magic to harm a human. Reluctantly, she dismissed the Rubrik.

"She doesn't need to," A voice said. They all turned to see Chrys coming towards them, a small smile on her face. "My, Esperanza, you attract attention like I do."

"Chrys!" Hope exclaimed, relieved.

"So what seems to be the problem?" Chrys walked over to Sherry, pointedly ignoring the boys surrounding Hope.

"Those boys are being mean ta us!" Applebloom snapped.

"Are they now…" She turned, fixing the four boys with a steely gaze.

"We were just hitting on her sister," One of the boys said nervously. "We didn't mean any harm."

Chrys smirked. "No harm, hm? Esperanza. Come here."

The snow white girl timidly moved between the boys and went over to Chrys. "I was scared," She said slowly, clinging to Chrys. "No let me go!"

"Now that was awfully mean of them. You boys didn't notice you were terrifying the poor girl?"

The boys shared a look. "Uh… no…"

"Then you should get better at reading when a girl is uncomfortable, or you'll never get laid." She smirked. "Virgins always have a distinctive smell."

The blush on the boy's faces was about as red as Grace's hair, and they beat a hasty retreat. "That was so cool!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

"You sure put them in their place!" Applebloom said.

Sherry looked up at her adoptive sister. "Chrys… how'd you know when to show up?"

"I noticed Esperanza leaving the house after Luna went to go speak to Rarity," Chrys explained, stroking Hope's hair gently. "When I realized she had your lunch bag with her, I knew exactly where she had gone."

At the mention of Sherry's lunch, Hope pulled away from the dark skinned woman and went over to Sherry. She held out the younger girl's lunch. "…Sorry," She murmured.

Sherry took it, a confused look on her face. "Why are you sorry?"

"I… trouble for you," Hope said simply, unable to get her idea across any other way. "Wanted to help."

"It's okay, Hope. Just have someone come with you next time so you can find me quicker."

"Good point," Chrys said, glancing at a nearby clock. "Shouldn't you be getting back to lunch?"

"Oh crap!" Sweetie Bell said. "We have like, no time to eat!"

"Let's not stand around then!" Applebloom and Scootaloo rushed back into the lunchroom, Sherry and Sweetie Bell followed close behind. Sherry paused at the door. "Thanks for bringing my lunch, Hope!"

She vanished back inside just as Hope waved goodbye. "Now, let's get you home," Chrys said. "Grace was worried about you."

Hope thought for a moment. "We fly?"

"Sure," Chrys said with a chuckle. "We can fly home."

Okay, so there was a time skip. Sue me. I know some of you were looking forward to having our newlyweds gushing over their kids, but hey, they're still young. They're not going to grow up that fast.

But! I know someone out there was thinking "What about Rarity and Pinkie? Don't they get a little happiness?" They did! Or... will. Anyway, Luna's pretty cool about it, since it's more of helping a friend than cheating. We think.

It's legal!

But anyway, I digress. Read, Review, and Return for the next chapter, and never forget: The Library Accepts All!

Zay gezunt! (Oh... oh my. Um... Yiddish? This was weird. I can't even type those symbols...)